Houston proud at famous five

Dundee United manager Peter Houston said he was extremely proud after five of his players made the PFA Team of the Year.

Gavin Gunning, Paul Dixon, Jon Daly, Johnny Russell and Gary Mackay-Steven were all voted in by their fellow professionals as United enjoyed the highest representation in the side and even surpassed champions Celtic's overall tally of four.

"I'm very proud to say the least. It's a major achievement. Every manager likes to see their players progressing and getting deserved recognition," Houston told the Daily Record. "We already have Jon Daly nominated for the PFA Player of the Year along with Johnny Russell and Gary Mackay-Steven for the Young Player of the Year, so to now have this on top is great for the club as a whole."

The news came as something of a consolation for Houston after a resounding 5-0 defeat at second-placed Rangers finally ended any prospect of a Champions League qualifying place.

"We were very disappointed with the manner in which we lost to Rangers at Ibrox but Dundee United should not be judged on what was a one-off performance," Houston added. "It's about looking at the bigger picture and this is another sign of big improvement in what's been a transitional year."